The blanket scarf is an oversized square scarf, big enough to function as a small blanket. Blanket scarves are mostly square and often made from flannel cotton, acrylic, wool, and cashmere. The different designs feature fringed, straight, or tasseled edges, and the most popular is the Tartan plaid style.
In the last decade, blanket scarves have become a must-have for any wardrobe (especially feminine). It is popular for its style, comfort, warmth, and versatility.
The right blanket scarf can transform a basic outfit into a stylish, fashionable statement.
Right: Soft Merino Wool Shawl by Feebra (Etsy)
How do you wear a blanket scarf?
Despite its large size, which might seem too much to handle and style, there are numerous easy ways to wear a blanket scarf that will take your style to new realms using just this one garment.
What you’ll need is only your blanket scarf. Most blanket scarves are squares, but you can also find rectangular ones; in that case, it should be a minimum 36” size on the narrower side.
So, if you wish to know how to style your blanket scarf, how to wear a blanket scarf as a short skirt or a long skirt, if you wish to know how to wear a blanket scarf as a dress, or you just want to learn the best ways to lift a dull outfit in a sec, you’ll find it all in this helpful video:
How do you wear a blanket scarf over your head?
Here is one beautiful way to do that:
Blanket Scarves: From History to Modern Times
As highlighted by Nicky Albrechtsen in her 2011 publication, ‘Scarves’, the roots of the blanket scarf can be traced back to biblical times, when fabrics were skillfully arranged with ropes to craft either functional or regal robes.
According to Vogue and The Guardian, the blanket scarf started gaining popularity in the West a decade ago, around 2010, when Lenny Kravitz was spotted cuddled in a gigantic scarf while casually walking on the street. Since then, we can trace many designers’ collections presenting their interpretations of the cozy garment and various ways to style it seen in street fashion.
Are blanket scarves in style in 2023-2024?
Absolutely! Blanket scarves continue to be a hot trend in 2023-2024, with designers and brands across the spectrum incorporating them into their latest collections. Here’s a glimpse of some notable examples from the catwalk:
Saint Laurent took the blanket scarf in their Fall 2023 ready-to-wear collection to its full potential. Maybe it’s better to call it Mega blanket scarf. It is huge. It brings the elegant characteristics of the garment and gives just a hint about its coziness. You’ll find them in plaid, solid black, and rough grey, with a heavy gold brooch, laid or draped on the body in new-old ways with a glimpse to the 80s, creating a strong dramatic statement.
Max Mara continues to define femininity, taking naive, sophisticated, and cultural inspirations and elements to create a fascinating portrait of independent women. Bold, huge blanket scarves adorn two outfits. One in white with snowflakes on waffled knit, a staple! The other is similar but takes it more to evening wear with its black sequins and exquisite charismatic charm, which is all but dark.
Tomi Hilfiger went on a marvelous fresh palette and defined in his collection the term casual in the finest coolness. The outfits are built so harmonious you would love to have every detail. In this charm, you’ll find stylish knitted blanket shawls in plaid, stripes, and plain that walk hand in hand with other garments in each outfit, making it just perfect!
Every detail in the AZ Factory fall 2023 ready-to-wear collection is unexpected. It is as if they took our well-known garments and put in each new curious spark, which makes you admire the details. Two statement outfits jumped to our eyes with a complete outfit of a long tunic, soft pants, a hat, and a blanket shawl, all with the same super soft fabric and pattern, creating an astonishing, unforgettable, and surprisingly cozy winter chic. One in Green and red, the other in black and white. A winter winner.
Right: Outlined Merino Wool Ruana Shawl by Feebra
You’ll probably want to know:
Can men wear blanket scarves?
Sure! Blanket scarves can effortlessly add a stylish touch that is perfect for men.
Actually, one of the first signs, and maybe one of the reasons for this trend to rise, was when Lenny Kravitz was spotted (as mentioned before) with his huge knitted brown super cozy blanket scarf in 2010, and his wonderful cozy daring style made a significant impact on these warm, versatile scarves.
The variety of designs, styles, and ways to wear them, from casual to elegant, make blanket scarves an invaluable addition to any man’s wardrobe. Not only do they provide warmth and comfort, but they also make you super stylish in the most effortless way.
You’ll probably want to know:
What is the difference between a scarf and a blanket scarf?
The most significant difference between a scarf and a blanket scarf is the size! Blanket scarves are typically much wider than regular scarves, and scarves are often longer than blanket scarves.
What is the difference between a shawl and a blanket scarf?
Shawls are most commonly rectangular but can also be square or triangular; blanket scarves, on the other hand, are usually large squares but sometimes rectangular or, more rarely, triangular.
Both shawls and blanket scarves are large enough to be used as a blanket.
While both are available in various fabrics, shawls often come in high-quality fabrics like pashmina and cashmere, while blanket scarves are more commonly found in fine acrylic.
Since they are similar in size and proportions, a shawl can often be considered a blanket scarf and vice versa, and both are multi-versatile garments.
What’s the difference between blanket scarves and blanket wraps?
In general, blanket wraps are more generous in size than blanket scarves, and it is more common to find them in soft, very warm fabrics like cashmere and fleece.
The primary purpose of a blanket wrap is to provide a cozy and warm snuggle, but with a short search, you’ll find blanket wraps that can undoubtedly hit the street with their classic chic.
A note on the terms overlaps
As blanket scarves, blanket wraps, and shawls have many similarities, all delivering understated glamour, you might call them in each of these three terms and still be correct. The boundaries are flexible.
How to Make a Blanket Scarf?
For this query, it is better to watch and follow, enjoy!
How much fabric do I need to make a blanket scarf?
Around 5 feet by 5 feet is a good size. If you wish for a rectangular blanket scarf, you can make the narrower side 3 feet and the longer side 5 feet. These measures are generous enough to provide you with a great, versatile blanket scarf.
Wrapping it all up
We can’t and usually don’t even want to change our whole wardrobe every season, but throwing the right blanket scarf to keep us trendy is an easy way to walk fashion forward. Catch yourself a few staples and statement pieces, and pair them right. You might gain a fine reputation and, most importantly, a wonderful, confident (while cozy) feeling.
